IR's multichip module power block simplifies dc/dc design

El Segundo, Calif. - In what could represent a substantial departure for designing future on-board multiphase power converters, International Rectifier Corp. has launched the first of its iPowir technology products, a synchronous high-current dc/dc building block in a multichip module. The iP2001 is billed as a solutions-based package for handling point-of-load and higher-current, lower-voltage applications for ever-tighter real estate requirements and time-to-market pressures.

The iP2001 uses a collection of proprietary technologies that matches the company's Benchmark power semiconductors with control ICs, along with advanced power supply chips and various passive components, all in a ball grid array package measuring 11 x 11 x 3 mm.

"The iPowir architecture is an example of IR's power-management expertise in all areas and is much more than simply integrating functions," said Gene Sheridan, vice president for sector management. "Only when all of these [technology] aspects are combined can complete functionality be bundled into a tiny, easy-to-design solution. The architecture gives our customers the simplest path to the highest power density."

The iPowir architecture is said to offer power densities to 10 amps per square inch in a 60-A converter, double that of discrete designs. It's also said to halve the number of total components.

The layout-critical components within each iP2001, which operates from a 5- to 16-volt input, include a MOSFET driver IC with dead-time control, two power MOSFETs and associated components. The iP2001 is basically configured for buck converter topologies. Applications extend from desktop, server and workstation CPUs to network processing units and ASICs used in networking, telecom switchers and routers.

Operating at a switching frequency up to 1 MHz (minimum 300 kHz), each iP2001 is capable of handling up to 15 A at output voltages from 0.9 to 3.3 V, depending on the pulse-width modulation controller. The user can construct an N+1 phase converter (peak efficiencies to 86 percent at 30 A, total output current capability in excess of 100 A) by cascading multiple iP2001s and adding an external PWM chip plus a few input and output components.

International Rectifier says the iPowir architecture can increase dc/dc conversion efficiency by as much as 6 percent over a DPAK discrete converter, and reduce overall power losses by as much as 25 percent. Board size can be slashed 44 to 58 percent compared with circuits using discrete components and modules, respectively. For a 60-A converter solution, that amounts to about 6.2 square inches, compared with 11.1 for a discrete on-board and 15 for a module.

The iP2001 is now in alpha sampling, with mass sample availability due in June or July. Production is scheduled for the fourth quarter. The part will be priced at $14.11 each in lots of 1,000.